@Bubblehead yeah, we called the black patch down his back his "racing stripe" and it grew out into his coat making it darker. his face and muzzle got lighter (and now gray). Plus his floofy ear fur grew out. First pic is young adult Tank. Second is recent.
Beautiful pup! Here's my Rockett (and "baby sister" Raven - who outweighs him by almost 40lbs!)
@H3athers
He has some amazing markings. I see from your other photos that he darkened up over the years. My GSD Rockett was much lighter when he was a pup, and has steadily gotten darker over the years.